weather closure

County to Close Government Facilities, Roads on Fourth of July

By Adrian Cruz

Fourth of July 2015 fireworks (Flickr pool photo by Rob Cannon)Arlington County will close libraries, courts, community centers, government offices and some roads across town Monday for the Independence Day holiday.

Metered parking will not be enforced, according to county officials, but trash and recycling will operate on a normal schedule.

Arlington County Police will also close several roads, including some major arteries, throughout the area to facilitate festive Fourth of July crowds. From ACPD:

6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

  • Memorial Bridge / Memorial Circle

1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

  • Marshall Drive from Route 110 to N. Meade Street
  • N. Meade St. from 14th St. to Marshall Dr.

3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

  • Meade Street from Marshall Drive to Route 50 (access to the Ft. Myer Heights neighborhood will be from the Rhodes Street bridge)
  • Exit ramp from westbound Route 50 to N. Lynn Street (Rosslyn exit)
  • Exit ramp from eastbound Route 50 to N. Meade Street (Rosslyn exit)
  • Long Bridge Dr. from Boundary Channel Dr. to 10th Street S.

8:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

  • Eastbound Route 50 at Washington Blvd. All traffic diverted from Rt. 50 on ramps to East and West Washington Blvd.
  • Eastbound 10th St. N.  ramp to eastbound Rt. 50 will be closed, all traffic diverted to westbound Rt. 50
  • Courthouse Rd. ramp to eastbound Rt. 50 will be closed, all traffic diverted to westbound Rt. 50 or 10th St. N.
  • Pershing Dr. at Rt. 50 will only be allowed westbound
  • Eastbound N. Fairfax Drive from N. Pierce Street to N. Fort Myer Drive
  • Columbia Pike between S. Orme Street and S. Joyce St.
  • Joyce Street between Army Navy Drive and Columbia Pike

Police have also warned that street parking around the Iwo Jima Memorial, Long Bridge Park and the Air Force Memorial will be restricted for the holiday.

Residents planning on skipping town for the holiday should take note: A record-breaking 1 million D.C. area residents will leave for the long weekend, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic, with most of them driving. Reagan National Airport should also be busy; about 77,000 residents are expected to leave town on a plane.

The lowest fuel prices in a decade and the holiday falling on a Monday are driving those record-breaking numbers, the AAA said in a press release.

For those staying in Arlington, we’ve published a list of local fireworks viewing spots.

Flickr pool photo by Rob Cannon

Memorial Day Closures in Arlington

By Adrian Cruz
Rolling Thunder (Flickr pool photo by Michelle Dupray)

Rolling Thunder (Flickr pool photo by Michelle Dupray)Arlington County offices and schools will be closed Monday for the observation of Memorial Day.

All county offices, courts, libraries, and other facilities will be closed for the holiday. Metered parking will not be enforced.

ART buses will operate on a Sunday schedule as will Metrorail and Metrobus. Metrorail will charge off-peak fares all day and parking will be free at all Metro facilities.

Trash and recycling collection, however, will operate on a regular schedule.

Traffic on I-66 eastbound on Saturday is expected to be severely impacted from 10-11:30 a.m. to allow honor groups of Vietnam veterans to travel to Arlington National Cemetery.

On Sunday the Arlington County Police Department will close off Washington Boulevard between I-395 and the Memorial Bridge from 7 a.m.-4 p.m for the Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally. During this time, Arlington National Cemetery will only be accessible from southbound George Washington Memorial Parkway or northbound Route 110.

Presidents Day Closures in Arlington

By ARLnow.com

George Washington(Updated at 10:30 p.m.) County offices, courts and schools will be closed Monday for the Presidents Day holiday.

Officially called “George Washington Day” in Virginia, or “Washington’s Birthday” on the federal level, the holiday celebrates the birth of our first president, who was born on Feb. 22, 1732. Today, Feb. 12, is Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, which is often mashed up with Washington’s birthday for the colloquial Presidents Day.

All county government offices, courts, libraries and facilities will be closed Monday for the holiday. Parking meters and zoned parking will not be enforced. Trash and recycling collection, however, will continue as normal.

Other county-level closures or service modifications are noted on Arlington’s holiday schedule page.

ARLnow.com will not be publishing on Monday, except in the event of breaking news.

Federal Gov’t Closed Tuesday, County Gov’t to Open at Noon

By ARLnow.com

"Climbing snowy Mt. Clarendon" (photo courtesy James Mahony)Federal employees will get another day off Tuesday, but Arlington County government employees will be heading back to work.

The Office of Personnel Management announced Monday night that federal offices would remain closed Tuesday, though “emergency and telework-ready employees required to work must follow their agency’s policies.”

Arlington County government offices, facilities and courts — with the exception of General District Court — are scheduled to reopen at noon on Tuesday.

“Unscheduled leave and telework options are encouraged for County employees, with supervisor’s approval,” the county noted in a press release.

Arlington public libraries will open at noon on Tuesday, but children’s programs are cancelled. Many Arlington parks and recreation programs are also cancelled. Schools remain closed.

Trash and recycling collection, meanwhile, is also still suspended, but may resume on Wednesday.

County snow crews and contractors are continuing to work around the clock to clear snow and ice from local streets.

“County crews are now deep into Phase 3 of snow cleanup operations, focusing on residential streets,” the press release said. “In many areas, crews have had to bring in heavy construction equipment to break through snow/ice banks at the ends of streets so plows can get in.”

“The goal is to get to all neighborhood streets by Tuesday night but it may take until Wednesday, Jan. 27, to reach some sections given the amount of snowfall and related conditions, including buried parked cars,” the press release continues. “County officials are asking residents for continued patience as enormous amounts of snow are removed from roadways and, in many cases, transported miles away.”

The county’s snow removal ordinance remains suspended “because of the massive amounts of snow that fell on area sidewalks.”

“No citations will be issued during the cleanup,” the county said. “However, the goals behind the ordinance remain… so all efforts to clear sidewalks for the community are appreciated.”

Arlington’s Office of Emergency Management warned that an overnight refreeze could make for treacherous driving early Tuesday morning. “Please use extra caution,” OEM urged in an Arlington Alert.

Among the county officials getting back to work on Tuesday will be members of the Arlington County Board.

“The Arlington County Board will convene as scheduled Tuesday, Jan. 26, at 3 p.m.,” said the county press release. “It will defer consideration of both the January Consent and Regular Agendas to the Recessed Meeting now scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28.”

Photo courtesy James Mahony

Arlington Public Schools to Remain Closed Wednesday

By ARLnow.com

Snowy school bus in January 2015Arlington Public Schools will remain closed Wednesday, the school system announced this afternoon.

Students last attended classes this past Wednesday, Jan. 20, before schools were closed on Thursday due to Wednesday night’s snowfall and traffic disaster. Schools remained closed Friday, in anticipation of the weekend blizzard, and have remained closed since.

School offices will be closed Tuesday, but may reopen Wednesday, APS said.

“Essential employees should report as scheduled,” the school system said. “School officials will announce the status of operations for buildings and offices on Tuesday afternoon.”

Federal Government Closed Monday, Flights Resuming at Local Airports

By ARLnow.com

Snow traffic cam Jan. 23(Updated at 7:55 p.m.) The federal government will be closed Monday, the Office of Personnel Management announced Sunday evening.

The feds join Arlington County government and public schools in closing Monday due to poor road conditions. Many neighborhood streets remain treacherous, covered with snow and ice that plows have yet to remove.

Arlington County trash and recycling collection service has been cancelled Monday and Tuesday.

ART bus service will be running sporadically Monday. The transit service says ART 41, 51, and 55 routes will run every 30 minutes from noon to 5 p.m. Monday. Other routes will remain suspended.

Reagan National and Dulles International airports, meanwhile, are reopening Monday, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority said Sunday night.

The National Park Service announced Sunday that the northbound GW Parkway would remain closed between Spout Run and the Beltway until at least noon on Monday.

The full Monday closure message, from OPM:

*FEDERAL OFFICES* in the Washington, DC area are *CLOSED*. Emergency and telework-ready employees required to work must follow their agency’s policies, including written telework agreements.

/*Non-emergency employees*/ will be granted excused absence (administrative leave) for the number of hours they were scheduled to work unless they are:

* required to telework,
* on official travel outside of the Washington, DC area,
* on pre-approved leave (including leave without pay), or
* on an alternative work schedule (AWS) day off.

/*Telework-Ready Employees*/ who are scheduled to perform telework on the effective day of the announcement or who are required to perform telework on a day when Federal offices are closed must telework the entire workday or request leave, or a combination of both, in accordance with their agency’s policies and procedures, subject to any applicable collective bargaining requirements (as consistent with law).

/*Emergency Employees*/ are expected to report to their worksite unless otherwise directed by their agencies.

The press release from MWAA:

Reagan National and Dulles International will each have at least one runway open for flight operations beginning Monday morning, January 25.

We expect airlines to operate limited flight schedules at both airports throughout the day on Monday. Passengers should check with their airlines for information about their specific flights.

Snow crews at both Reagan National and Dulles International continue to work around the clock to clear runways, taxiways, roadways and parking lots in anticipation of the resumption of flights on Monday. Our priority is the safety of passengers and employees traveling to and from the airports. Travelers are encouraged to use caution when driving to the airports and plan extra time, as larger than normal crowds are possible.

County Government Offices Closed Tomorrow, APS Closed Through Tuesday

By Tim Regan

snow plow jan. 24 2(Updated at 2:14 p.m.) Arlington County government offices and Arlington County Public Schools will be closed tomorrow due to anticipated road conditions.

Libraries across the Arlington area will also be closed tomorrow.

APS students will not have classes on Monday and Tuesday. Though school offices are closed tomorrow, the school has not yet said whether the offices would be closed on Tuesday.

Monday’s trash and recycling pickup is also cancelled tomorrow and Tuesday. Monday and Tuesday Service will resume on Feb. 1 and Feb. 2.

The county is currently in phase two of its snow removal process.

Photo of snow plow from earlier this morning

Morning Notes

By Tim Regan

Red sky at morning

Brace Yourselves — Latest predictions say the snow is set to start as early as noon today, which happens to be the same time federal offices in D.C. and the surrounding area are expected to close. [Capital Weather Gang]

Blizzard Closures — Metro will cease all service at 11 p.m. tonight. Federal government and Arlington County offices across the area close at noon. Arlington public schools will be closed today, and all weekend activities are cancelled. [Metro, Washington Post, APS, Arlington County]

Snow Tips — The area is bracing for a potentially historic blizzard. Here’s what you need to know to ride out the storm. [ARLNow]

Community Radio Station ‘Off and Running’ — Arlington’s community-run radio station, WERA, is off to a good start, says its director of community programs. The station, which is at 96.7 FM, is adding new programs weekly. [InsideNova]

Arlington Artist Q&A — Meet Javier Padilla, a local artist who paints abstract portraits. [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Photo by Mark C. White

County Offices to Close for MLK Day, No Parking Enforcement Today and Monday

By Jennifer Currier

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.Arlington County Government offices and schools will be closed on Monday for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

All public schools, libraries, courts, human services offices and the Department of Parks and Recreation will be closed this Monday, Jan. 18 in observance of the federal holiday.

Some state offices including the courts and DMV are also closed today for Lee-Jackson Day, a state holiday. Metered and permit parking restrictions will not be enforced today or Monday for the holidays.

Trash and recycling services will operate on a normal schedule, including on Monday. The county jail will have visiting hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday.

On Monday, ART Bus lines 41, 42, 45, 51, 55, 77 and 87 will operate on a Saturday schedule, and all other routes will not operate. The Metro will also operate on a Saturday schedule.

Arlington’s 47th Annual Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. will be held this Sunday from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Wakefield High School auditorium.

Christmas and New Year Closures in Arlington

By Jennifer Currier

Arlington County government's offices at 2100 Clarendon BlvdChristmas and the New Year are around the corner. Just like many Arlington residents, County workers are preparing for a few days off in observance of these holidays.

Dec. 24 and 25 Closures

County government offices will be closed this Thursday and Friday for Christmas. That includes the courts, the DMV and public libraries.

While the Parks and Recreation office will also be closed, park grounds will remain open on those days. The Sheriff’s Office will also hold detention center visiting hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on both days.

Trash pick up and recycling will run normal operations on Thursday, but there will be no collection on Friday. Regularly-scheduled Friday pick up will occur on Saturday, Dec. 26 instead.

As for getting around, Metrorail and Metrobus will operate on holiday schedules both days. On Thursday, ART will offer regular service, with the 43 and 84 routes starting at 12:30 p.m on Christmas Eve to accommodate the federal government’s early release.

Only ART routes 41, 45, 51, 55 and 87 will operate Christmas day, and those routes will operate on a Sunday schedule. All other routes will be closed.

Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 Closures

The County will experience the same closures for New Year’s Day next Friday with a few minor differences.

Public libraries will close at 5 p.m. on Dec. 31 and remain closed on New Year’s Day.

There will be no trash collection on Friday. Pick up will occur on Saturday, Jan. 2 instead.

For transportation on New Year’s Day, the Metro will operate on a holiday schedule again. The same select ART routes — 41, 45, 51, 55 and 87 — will operate on Sunday schedules, and all other routes will be closed.

Other Holiday Notes

On Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, parking in meters and residential zone restrictions will not be enforced.

All public schools will remain closed, on holiday break, until Monday, Jan. 4.

More details on this holiday schedule and other closures are available on the County website.

County Offices Closed, ART Service Limited for Labor Day

By Heather Mongilio

American flag (file photo)

Most Arlington County government offices will be closed this coming Monday, Sept. 7, for the Labor Day holiday.

Libraries, courts, nature centers and administrative offices will be closed on Monday in observance of the holiday.

Parks will be open, and county pools will operate on a modified schedule. The Washington-Lee pool will be open from noon to 4 p.m., the Wakefield High School pool is open from noon to 6 p.m., and the Yorktown pool will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

ART will run on a holiday schedule, meaning the 41, 51 and 87 buses will operate on Sunday times. All other routes will not run on Labor Day. Metro will run on a Sunday schedule and will operate from 7 a.m. to midnight.

Trash and recycling will be collected as normal.

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